Yalitza Aparicio Champions Indigenous Representation at Guadalajara Book Fair
Oscar-nominated actress Yalitza Aparicio used her platform at the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL) to advocate for increased support and visibility for indigenous cultures. During a public reading of the book “What Makes Us Human,” Aparicio highlighted the importance of valuing indigenous languages and traditions, emphasizing the need for wider public engagement with culturally diverse content.
A Call for Cultural Investment
“We have made strides in including indigenous communities in cinema in a dignified way. We see and hear their languages in these works, but many of these projects don’t receive the attention they deserve because society isn’t drawn to them as they might be to works with bigger marketing campaigns,” Aparicio stated.
Recognizing the challenges faced by artists and organizations striving to give voice to indigenous communities, she emphasized the crucial role of financial backing.
“We are hard at work to achieve greater representation. UNESCO is actively involved in numerous initiatives. However, the most vital element will always be the unwavering support of the public and the media,” said Aparicio, who serves as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Indigenous Peoples.
Aparicio’s passionate plea at FIL underscored the need for a shift in perspective, urging audiences to move beyond perceiving indigenous communities solely as tourist attractions or commercial commodities.
Honoring Indigenous Voices
The book reading, a collaboration with Brazilian author Victor DO Santos, provided a powerful forum for Aparicio to champion linguistic diversity. “What Makes Us Human” celebrates the value of indigenous languages, and for this special event, excerpts were shared in both Spanish and Hñähñu, a language native to the state of Querétaro, Mexico.
The book’s translation into Hñähñu is a testament to the ongoing efforts of UNESCO and the Secretariat of Culture of Querétaro to preserve and promote indigenous languages. This initiative aligns with the United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Languages, which spans from 2022 to 2032.
Beyond the Tourist Gaze
Aparicio’s message resonated deeply with the FIL audience. She stressed the importance of creating spaces where indigenous communities can contribute their unique knowledge and perspectives to society.
“Our indigenous communities should not be reduced to commercial entities. They are not meant to be commodified. They hold immense value, a wealth of knowledge, and a contribution that enriches our society as a whole. It’s time to stop treating them as outsiders; we are all part of the same society,” she urged.
Aparicio’s powerful words served as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for recognition and equality faced by indigenous peoples around the world. Her call for support and understanding resonated throughout the Guadalajara book fair, inspiring attendees to reflect on the importance of cultural diversity and inclusion.
The 38th edition of FIL, which runs from November 30 to December 8, welcomed Spain as the guest of honor, hosting 850 authors from 43 countries with a program encompassing 3,000 literary activities.
How can media platforms and organizations contribute to amplifying indigenous voices and perspectives?
## Interview: Aparicio Champions Indigenous Representation
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing the important speech delivered by renowned actress, Yalitza Aparicio, at the Guadalajara International Book Fair. Yalitza, thank you for joining us.
**Yalitza Aparicio:** Thank you for having me. It was an honor to speak at FIL and bring attention to this crucial issue.
**Host:** You spoke passionately about the need for increased support and visibility for indigenous cultures. Could you elaborate on what prompted this call to action?
**Yalitza Aparicio:** We’ve made some progress in representing indigenous communities in media, especially in film. [ [1](https://www.newsweek.com/roma-yalitza-aparicio-alfonso-cuaron-1299110) ]But many of these projects struggle to gain the recognition they deserve because they lack the marketing muscle of bigger productions. There’s a tendency for audiences to gravitate towards what’s familiar and heavily promoted.
**Host:** So you’re advocating for a shift in perspective?
**Yalitza Aparicio:** Absolutely. We need to move beyond seeing indigenous communities solely as tourist attractions or cultural novelties. Their languages, traditions, and stories are incredibly rich and deserve to be celebrated and understood on a much deeper level. This requires a conscious effort from audiences, filmmakers, and, importantly, financial backers.
**Host:** You mentioned UNESCO’s involvement in supporting indigenous voices. Can you tell us more about that?
**Yalitza Aparicio:** As a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Indigenous Peoples, I’m proud to be part of their numerous initiatives aimed at promoting cultural diversity and inclusion. However, public and media support is vital. The more we highlight and engage with indigenous content, the more we encourage investment and create a sustainable platform for their voices to be heard.
**Host:** What message do you have for our viewers who want to support this cause?
**Yalitza Aparicio:** Seek out and actively engage with indigenous art, film, literature, and cultural events. Support organizations working to amplify indigenous voices. Challenge stereotypes and promote respectful and nuanced representations. Every small action contributes to a larger movement towards genuine inclusivity and understanding.
